When throwing a kids party ....

I was just at Party City and asked a mother if she gives out prizes to games when she throws kiddie parties. I am having a 1st birthday party for my daughter but the kids attending will be ages 3-11. Anyway, I decided to give out goodie bags to everyone at the end of the party . The mother I was talking to said she does not give out prizes when a certain child wins a game (like Pin the Tail on the Donkey) because she is afraid of fighting etc. She said something like, if everyone plays and behaves well there will be goody bags given at the end of the party. Anyone agree? What did you say when you did not give out separate prizes but goodie bags?

Re: When throwing a kids party ....

I am hosting a party at my house. I am only giving a sticker as a prize. My goody bag/activity is enough. I don't want kids upset that one kid got something another kid did not get. At the end of the activities, those kids that did not get a sticker can get one too. I am just letting the kid that "won" pick first.
My goody bag/activity is:
Lego Chima
Bag of lego star wars
box of crayons
pencil
lego eraser

We are going to make lego candy sushi.
Plan for my party:
Set up table with lego men to color to keep kids busy while other kids arrive
pizza
build lego chima
race lego chimas
lego tower building using my kids legos (timed to see who can get the tallest tower, whose tower can stand up without holding it)
lego stick the shark on the map for lego city
lego candy sushi making (cut a marshmallow in 1/2 put a lego man on it, wrap in an airhead; take a fruit roll up, smush a risce crispy treat, put gummy worms in - roll up, and cut into 6 pieces.
serve cake

Re: When throwing a kids party ....

I am not a fan of prizes at a party. I only give a goody bag. Some children will feel hurt if they dont get one so I wouldnt go there.

Re: When throwing a kids party ....

I'd rather not have prizes either. The point of the game is to have fun. No one wants to see the birthday kid upset if they don't "win".